Stephen Foster

SKU: CF.CM9736

ISBN 9781491161166. UPC: 680160919758. Key: Bb major. English.

Stephen Collins Foster lived from 1826 to 1864, until only age 37. He was extremely prolific, with numerous songs that have lasted to this day. I first had the idea to arrange Beautiful Dreamer for SATB choirs a cappella, after hearing Kristen Chenoweth in concert. She ended her concert, in a 1,600 seat hall, with Beautiful Dreamer, an a cappella solo, with no microphone. Given the beautiful melody, text and Ms. Chenoweth's voice, one could have heard a pin drop in the audience. Her performance concluded to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. The power of music. Throughout this arrangement, the harmonies support the beautiful melody and text (rather than get in its' way). Opportunities abound for vocal parts to be showcased as well as an optional solo/duet at the beginning. Sing freely, with pure vowels, crisp diction and sensitivity, allowing the text to prevail by giving special attention to stressed and unstressed syllables and words. I hope you enjoy singing this arrangement in rehearsal and performance to the delight of your audience. Tell the story through song because that's what we should always do when performing choral music. Russell Robinson, Arranger  .
Stephen Collins Foster lived from 1826 to 1864, until only age 37. He was extremely prolific, with numerous songs that have lasted to this day.  I first had the idea to arrange Beautiful Dreamer for SATB choirs a cappella, after hearing Kristen Chenoweth in concert.  She ended her concert, in a 1,600 seat hall, with Beautiful Dreamer, an a cappella solo, with no microphone.  Given the beautiful melody, text and Ms. Chenoweth’s voice, one could have heard a pin drop in the audience. Her performance concluded to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.  The power of music.Throughout this arrangement, the harmonies support the “beautiful” melody and text (rather than get in its' way).  Opportunities abound for vocal parts to be showcased as well as an optional solo/duet at the beginning.Sing freely, with pure vowels, crisp diction and sensitivity, allowing the text to prevail by giving special attention to stressed and unstressed  syllables and words.I hope you enjoy singing this arrangement in rehearsal and performance to the delight of your audience.  Tell the story through song because that’s what we should always do when performing choral music.Russell Robinson, Arranger .